FTSE 250 construction giant bucks UK construction outlook with strong infrastructure investment and US housebuilding demand

Balfour Beatty has raised its earnings and cash flow targets, as the construction giant’s “real momentum” defies the sector’s general gloom.

The group, which partners with the government on major infrastructure schemes, has seen its order book surge by 17 per cent to £22.9bn in the six months to June, while revenue climbed eight per cent to £5.6bn.

This upturn in revenue was underpinned by growing demand in US housebuilding and the UK’s power industry, the firm confirmed.

The FTSE 250 company upgraded its earnings targets from low single to high double-digit growth and raised the upper limit of its net cash forecast from £1.5bn to £1.7bn.

The infrastructure behemoth recorded a 42 per cent rise in underlying profit to £153m over the period, although its headline pre-tax profit edged down by two per cent to £129m, as reported by City AM.

Chief executive Phillip Hoare said: “Balfour Beatty enters the second half with real momentum.

“Our strong first-half performance reflects the quality of our business, the discipline of our execution and, above all, the exceptional contribution of our people in delivering for our customers.”

The group’s buoyant trading update stands in stark contrast to the prevailing gloom across the UK’s construction sector, as housebuilders and materials suppliers flag mounting costs and weakening private-sector demand.

On Tuesday, prominent housebuilder Bellway called on the government to reduce stamp duty in order to stimulate construction activity. Last month, the chief executive of property portal Rightmove stated that the nation’s housebuilders are confronting conditions “among the most difficult experienced since the global financial crisis”.

However, Balfour Beatty highlighted expansion in the UK’s energy, defence and transport infrastructure sectors as a principal catalyst behind its revenue increases.

“These markets are supported by strong funding commitments and enduring customer demand, providing attractive growth opportunities over the near to medium term,” the group informed shareholders.

The robustness of demand for these infrastructure projects enables Balfour Beatty to be “disciplined and selective” in choosing which work to pursue, the company stated.

Significant contracts secured by the business during the year to date include a £325m power transmission scheme in Scotland, a £315m road maintenance programme in Warwickshire and $350m (£259m) worth of US data centre commissions.

“We expected a strong performance and Balfour Beatty delivered again,” analysts at Peel Hunt remarked, noting that the company’s revenue visibility “continues to drive a higher quality of growth.”

Alex Pugh, an analyst at Freetrade, observed that the group has successfully sidestepped the challenges confronting private-sector housebuilders by concentrating on demand “in areas where spending is hard to avoid: power networks, transport, defence and US buildings”. “This is a company in the right place at the right time. […] The balance sheet is doing some heavy lifting too. Strong cash generation means Balfour can fund growth and still keep investors sweet with dividends and buybacks.”

Indian aluminium stocks witnessed a sharp rally on Wednesday following a major supply-side disruption in global metal markets. National Aluminium Company (NALCO) shares surged as much as 8% to Rs 418.95, while Hindalco Industries gained 2.7% to around Rs 1,080.60. The buying momentum came as global aluminium prices rose to a seven-week high in London.

The immediate catalyst behind the rally was an operational disruption at Norsk Hydro’s Alunorte facility in Brazil, one of the world’s largest alumina producers. The company said Alunorte had been forced to cut output to 50% of capacity after its natural gas supplier, CELBA, reported an unexpected supply disruption.

Alumina is the key raw material used by smelters to produce primary aluminium. Any reduction in alumina output could therefore tighten raw material supplies and disrupt the global aluminium supply chain.

While Norsk Hydro confirmed that Alunorte intends to ramp alumina production back to full capacity as soon as natural gas availability permits, the road to recovery remains clouded by financial troubles at the supplier end. CELBA is owned by New Fortress Energy, a heavily indebted firm currently undergoing a complex financial restructuring. This ongoing corporate restructuring introduces noticeable uncertainty regarding how quickly full natural gas deliveries can be restored to the Brazilian refinery.

Middle East disruptions and multi-decade low inventories

This fresh production setback in South America lands on a market that was already struggling under severe operational pressures. Ongoing war involving Iran has severely disrupted physical metal shipments out of the Middle East, a crucial production hub that generates approximately one-tenth of the world’s aluminum supply. Although metal prices temporarily backed off after the intense opening weeks of the conflict, they have mounted a strong rebound since late June.
Compounding the supply squeeze, aluminum stockpiles held across London Metal Exchange (LME) registered warehouses have suffered a steady drawdown throughout the year. Inventory levels have now fallen close to a quarter of a million tons, marking their lowest point since November 1990, despite fresh metal arrivals entering the market from Chinese and Indonesian producers. Norsk Hydro had previously cautioned last month that the global annual supply shortfall could widen to over 900,000 tons if trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz are not normalized.
Geopolitical deadlock signals prolonged price support
Hopes for a quick resumption of normal trade flows have dimmed further as geopolitical negotiations show signs of stalling. U.S. President Donald Trump recently outlined extensive new demands on Iran, demanding financial compensation for individuals killed by Tehran, following Iran’s own demands for reparations as part of discussions to wind down the conflict. These hardening political stances suggest a much longer grind toward any potential diplomatic resolution.

Industry experts believe that the combination of stalled Middle East peace talks and raw material bottlenecks will keep the global aluminum market tight for longer. Yan Weijun, head of nonferrous metals research at Chinese trading firm Xiamen C&D Inc., noted that negotiations in the Middle East are not proceeding smoothly, which should continue to provide solid support for aluminum prices. For Indian producers like NALCO and Hindalco, rising global prices and constrained supply offer a strong tailwind for realizations and profitability.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)

Bank of America (BofA) is launching a $250 billion initiative to finance a broad buildout of U.S. infrastructure, including data centers, semiconductor facilities, power generation and transportation projects.

The banking giant announced Wednesday that its Critical Infrastructure Finance Initiative will mobilize and deploy $250 billion through lending, investments, capital markets and advisory transactions over an 18-month period ending July 4, 2027.

The effort comes as growing demand for computing power, electricity, manufacturing capacity and diversified supply chains drives infrastructure investment across the U.S. BofA said the initiative will focus on projects that strengthen energy security, technological leadership and long-term economic growth.

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“We are proud of our long history supporting the American economy. As America marks its 250th year, this initiative reflects our confidence in the country’s future and the investments that will shape it,” said BofA Co-President Jim DeMare. “The infrastructure that powers our economy, strengthens our energy security and secures our technological leadership will drive growth, create jobs and define America’s next chapter.”

The initiative will target three broad areas: digital infrastructure, energy and power infrastructure, and core infrastructure.

Digital projects can include data centers, computing hardware, chips, telecommunications and semiconductors. Energy investments can include conventional and renewable power generation, energy storage and distribution systems, while core infrastructure can include transportation, electric and energy transmission, grid optimization, water systems, critical minerals and mining.

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Bank of America said investments supported by the initiative could help create tens of thousands of jobs across construction, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure operations.

The bank also pointed to its workforce-development efforts. In 2025, Bank of America invested nearly $40 million in more than 730 workforce-development partners across 97 U.S. markets. Those organizations estimate the funding helped connect more than 90,000 people with employment opportunities and provided more than 290,000 people with access to training, education and career-readiness programs.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
BAC	BANK OF AMERICA CORP.	64.00	+0.14	+0.22%

Bank of America’s Global Capital Solutions and Global Infrastructure & Sustainable Finance teams will lead the initiative, with support from all eight of the company’s lines of business.

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The $250 billion target will be measured based on eligible primary-market lending, investing, capital markets and advisory transactions between Jan. 1, 2026, and July 4, 2027. The bank said it will use a methodology consistent with its $1.5 trillion, 10-year sustainable finance goal.

The world’s largest travel and tourism firm swung to a €17m airline loss

Tui has reported a fall in earnings at its airlines division as the Iran conflict continues to cause significant disruption to global tourism routes and drive up fuel costs.

The Frankfurt-listed group, the world’s largest travel and tourism company, swung to a €17m loss in its airlines arm in the six months to June, reversing a €50m profit recorded in the same period the previous year.

“This development was driven by weaker demand as a result of geopolitical developments and increased price pressure in a market environment characterised by higher fuel costs and additional capacity on the market,” the group said.

Tui’s airline revenue fell by eight per cent to €4.9bn over the period, although turnover climbed in its hotels, resorts and cruise divisions.

The group’s overall revenue dropped by six per cent to €5.8bn, while its underlying group profit declined 27 per cent year on year to €235m, falling short of analyst expectations of €274m, as reported by City AM.

“The quarter continued to be characterised by a challenging market environment and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, in particular the war in Iran, economic weakness in Europe’s core markets and consumer caution evident across many sectors,” Tui told shareholders.

The group’s ‘musements’ division, which offers tours and activities, proved a rare bright spot for Tui, recording a nine per cent rise in underlying profit to €22.7m.

Sebastian Ebel, the firm’s chief executive, maintained that Tui has “held its own well in a difficult global environment”. “Wars and geopolitical tensions, consumer caution, economic weakness and rising inflation in Europe’s core markets – all these factors have influenced consumer sentiment and the timing of purchasing decisions,” he added.

Ebel noted that booking behaviour has been “picking up again” over the past few weeks, but acknowledged that holidaymakers are purchasing tickets at the last minute in an attempt to sidestep the travel disruption caused by the Iran war.

Shares in Tui fell by three per cent to €7 in early trading, leaving the stock down 21 per cent since the start of the year.

Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Tui’s investors “may feel they need a holiday” following Wednesday’s turbulent results.

“The weak quarter adds more pressure for a clean landing in the final stretch of the year, and while the runway still remains relatively wide, management is likely to be buckling up for a tricky approach,” he added.

On Tuesday, Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) disclosed that a downturn in revenue across its Middle East operations is weighing on its overall growth.

The hotels group, which also owns the Crowne Plaza and Vignette Collection brands, reported that its revenue per available room declined by 19 per cent year on year in the three months to June.

The FTSE 100 firm informed shareholders that it is contending with “ongoing impacts from the Middle East conflict, including some wider disruption to international travel flows”.

India’s markets regulator has not observed any manipulation in the newly introduced closing auction session that determines closing price levels, the Securities and Exchange Board of India chairman said on Wednesday.

The closing auction is a big ‌market structure ⁠reform ⁠in line with global standards, Tuhin Kanta Pandey said at an event in Mumbai.

“We are considering all inputs to increase ​participation,” Pandey said, adding that any new system requires time to settle and attract more participation.

The ​closing auction is a separate 20-minute ⁠session introduced ‌last week in which exchanges ​collect buy ​and sell orders to determine a ⁠stock’s closing price at a level where the ​maximum volume can be executed.

The mechanism, ​which replaced the previous method of using the average price of trades in the final 30 minutes of regular trading, was introduced to provide a fairer and more transparent closing price ‌and improve execution efficiency for large orders.

The change has raised concerns about thinning participation ​and losses ​for some ⁠market players.
Mutual funds’ participation in the new system has risen from around 5%-6% on the first day to ​about 20%-25% since then, the regulator said.

The reform was needed to reduce tracking error for passive funds, he added.

The Welsh Government has announced co-chairs for the taskforce

The Welsh Government has announced co-chairs for a new town centre taskforce, alongside £1m of new funding to support regeneration projects in Bangor and Bridgend.

Tamsin Ramasut and Professor Simon Gibson will lead the taskforce, which will provide practical, expert advice on supporting the future of Wales’s town centres. Their appointment delivers on a key Government commitment to establish the taskforce within its first 100 days.

Working with members from business, local government, regeneration, planning, academia and communities, the co-chairs will oversee a programme of work to develop practical recommendations for Welsh Ministers on securing the future of town centres.

Ms Ramasut is an experienced regeneration, placemaking and community engagement practitioner. Through her work with Pont Collective and previous roles, she has supported the delivery of regeneration projects and place-based initiatives across Wales and beyond.

As the founder of the graduate entrepreneurship Alacrity programme and previous leadership roles in Wesley Clover, Ubiquity Software and the Welsh Development Agency (board member,) Prof Gibson helped attract investment, support entrepreneurship and drive business growth across Wales.

The announcement was made during a visit to Welsh Government funded projects in Bangor town centre, where £654,000 for public realm improvements was also confirmed. A further £350,000 has been confirmed to support the future regeneration of the Rhiw Shopping Centre in Bridgend.

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Siân Gwenllian, said: “Town centres remain at the heart of communities across Wales. They are places where people work, access services, spend time with family and friends and take part in civic and cultural life.

“However, they continue to face significant challenges as a result of changing consumer behaviour, economic pressures and the evolving role town centres play in everyday life.

“That’s why we are establishing this taskforce to champion the future of Welsh town centres. It will identify actions to help challenge decline, encourage changes in use to increase footfall, support Welsh businesses, attract investment and strengthen the long-term vitality of towns and city centres.”

Ms Ramasut said: “I’m honoured to co-chair this national task force. Town centres are central to thriving communities-places where people connect, local businesses grow and provide employment and create a sense of belonging. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively to help our town centres thrive across Wales.”

Professor Gibson said: “Our town centres are vital to communities and local economies across Wales, yet they face significant challenges that demand urgent action and fresh thinking.

” I am pleased to co-chair this taskforce, which brings together leaders from across sectors to develop innovative, practical solutions that remove barriers to growth, preserve presence and help create more vibrant, resilient town centres fit for the 21st century.”

Several retail traders are allegedly boycotting the stock market today, not trading Indian equities as a mark of protest against the newly introduced Closing Auction Session (CAS) that has triggered panic among investors this month.

Stock exchanges introduced the new CAS system this month, changing the way closing prices are calculated for stocks included in the futures and options (F&O) segment. What followed was strong volatility and a sharp divergence in the benchmark indices’ closing prices.

Several investors took to social media platforms, encouraging others as well to quit trading on Wednesday as a mark of protest against the system, along with the higher securities transaction tax (STT) and changing rules.

“I carried zero positions in indices, won’t take any indices trades or new SSO trades today. Have SSO positions open which I’ll manage if needed. Let’s observe #NoTradingDay today and make it a success,” said an X user named Ashish Gupta, who claims to be a full-time trader.

Several others also took to X to say that they are not trading today. “The decision day has arrived. If you genuinely want Indian traders to prosper, do not take a single trade today. I will not be punching even a single order myself. If the volume and liquidity are actually hurt, it will send a message that retail traders have power and they can also unite against a draconian rule,” another X user wrote.

Some, however, questioned the timing of the boycott, saying that Tuesday or Thursday should have been picked as higher trading on expiry day would have further intensified the impact. Notably, no official stock broker association has yet officially announced any such boycott.

What is CAS?

Under CAS, continuous trading in stocks that also have F&O contracts ends at 3:15 pm. However, this does not mean these stocks are closed for the day 15 minutes before the broader market shuts. From 3:15 pm onwards, these stocks move into the CAS, a 20-minute auction process that runs until 3:35 pm to determine their official closing prices. Meanwhile, stocks that are not part of the F&O segment continue to trade as usual until 3:30 pm.During the 20-minute auction window, buy and sell orders for eligible stocks are collected and matched at a single equilibrium price. This mechanism is aimed at improving price discovery and reducing the impact of last-minute trades on closing prices.

Also read | Old strategies buried alive: How CAS hit Dalal Street traders

Initial teething issues or flaws?

While panic prevails on Dalal Street, some analysts pointed out that these are initial teething issues that will gradually fade away. SEBI officials during their meetings with market players said that the new system is just facing teething issues in its early days and that the regulator remains confident it will improve as participation rises.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, said the gap between the 3:30 pm and 3:40 pm closing prices of Nifty stocks and the index, along with the divergence with the Sensex, suggested that the new system was not functioning as intended. “This has triggered forced square-offs of positions, particularly among retail investors, ahead of the 15 minute blind derivatives window closing session,” he said.

Nair said these appeared to be initial teething issues and that exchanges and the market regulator need to address the discrepancies. He added that the impact was currently limited to the F&O segment of trading stocks and main indices.

“Since it has only been a few days, it is difficult to make a judgement call on the new methodology as the market takes time to adapt,” Reuters quoted Raj Deepak Singh, vice president of derivatives and quantitative research at ICICI Direct, as saying.

Also read | CAS is here to stay: SEBI confident that Closing Auction Session will improve as participation rises, despite market-wide confusion

(With inputs from agencies)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

William Catlett is the founder of William A. Catlett, L.L.C., a St. Louis-based law practice that has served individuals and families for more than three decades.

Licensed to practise law in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, he has built a career helping clients through complex legal matters including family law, bankruptcy, guardianships, probate administration, criminal defence and mental illness proceedings.

After earning his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law, Catlett began his legal career as an associate attorney and opened his own practice in 1997. Throughout his career, he has focused on protecting clients’ rights while helping them understand the legal process. His approach is centred on clear communication, practical advice, and careful preparation rather than unnecessary complexity.

Beyond private practice, Catlett has served in several public-facing legal roles. He is regularly appointed to represent individuals in involuntary commitment and guardianship proceedings throughout the St. Louis area. Since 2017, he has also served as a Court Testimonial Trainer for resident physicians at major hospitals, helping medical professionals prepare to give effective evidence during court proceedings.

His broad experience extends beyond the courtroom. William Catlett was formerly licensed as both a title agent and a real estate broker, giving him additional insight into property and financial matters that often intersect with legal disputes.

Throughout his career, Catlett has remained guided by one principle: every client deserves honesty, transparency, and an advocate who places their interests first. His commitment to protecting legal rights and finding practical solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted leader within Missouri’s legal community.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in law?

I’ve always been interested in solving problems that have a real impact on people’s lives. Law allows you to help someone through situations that are often stressful and uncertain. From the beginning, I wanted to build a career where I could guide people through those challenges while making sure their rights were protected.

How did your career develop after law school?

Prior to graduating from Saint Louis University School of Law, I was a law clerk at the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.  Following graduation, I worked with a private law firm as an associate attorney. Those early experiences allowed me to see the legal system from different perspectives before becoming an associate attorney. In 1997, I opened my own practice, and that allowed me to build the kind of law firm I had always envisioned.

Many attorneys focus on one area of law. Why did you choose such a broad practice?

Life doesn’t fit neatly into legal categories. Someone going through a divorce may also be dealing with financial difficulties. A guardianship matter might involve probate issues. Real estate questions can arise during family disputes. I wanted to understand how these areas connect so I could look at the whole picture instead of treating each legal issue in isolation.

Your practice includes guardianships and involuntary commitment proceedings. What have those experiences taught you?

Those cases remind you how significant the legal system can be in someone’s life. You’re often dealing with questions about personal liberty, family relationships and long-term wellbeing. They require careful preparation because every decision can have lasting consequences. That responsibility has reinforced the importance of listening carefully, communicating clearly and paying close attention to the facts.

You also train physicians to testify in court. How did that opportunity come about?

Over time, my work in mental illness proceedings led to opportunities to work more closely with medical professionals. Since 2017, I’ve served as a Court Testimonial Trainer for resident physicians. My role is to help them understand what to expect when they testify and how to communicate medical information clearly in a courtroom. It’s rewarding because effective testimony helps judges make informed decisions.

What do clients value most when working with an attorney?

I believe they want honesty. Most people aren’t looking for complicated legal language. They want someone who will explain the process, answer their questions and give them realistic expectations. I always try to speak with clients in plain language instead of talking over their heads.

You’ve been practising for more than three decades. What has stayed consistent throughout your career?

My priorities haven’t changed very much. My job is to protect my client’s interests while helping them understand the legal process. Every case is different, but that responsibility stays the same whether I’m handling a family law matter, a bankruptcy case or a guardianship proceeding.

How has your experience outside traditional legal practice influenced your work?

Earlier in my career, I was also licensed as a title agent and a real estate broker in Missouri and Illinois. That experience gave me a broader understanding of property transactions and financial matters that often appear in legal disputes. Having that background allows me to recognise issues that someone with a narrower focus might overlook.

What do you think defines good leadership in the legal profession?

Leadership starts with responsibility. Clients trust you with some of the most important situations they’ll ever face. That means being prepared, communicating openly and putting their interests ahead of your own. Experience is valuable, but integrity is what earns trust over time.

After more than thirty years, what continues to motivate you?

Every client comes to you with a different story. Even after all these years, no two cases are exactly alike. I still enjoy helping people understand their options and working towards practical solutions. Success isn’t about winning every argument. It’s about achieving the best possible outcome for the client while making sure the legal system respects their rights.